ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale on Thursday said the US wanted more strengthened economic and trade relationship with Pakistan.
“Trade and economic relationship is part of security but it is more important than bullets,” he said during a call on meeting with Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan.
The ambassador said that the political climate in Pakistan is stable and US is considering extending assistance to Pakistan in economic and trade areas. “We are eyeing on investment treaties and other related tools with Pakistan to proceed economic and trade related matters,” he added.
“People should look at the brighter sides of Pakistan where business environment has improved,” the ambassador emphasised. Ambassador Hale also appreciated Pakistan’s role and efforts in solidifying economic and trade relations in the region with neighbouring countries.
“We are strong supporter of regional trade integration and connectivity in the region and Pakistan’s efforts in this regard are praiseworthy,” the ambassador mentioned. He was of the view that they are looking forward for sector specific reverse trade missions to work together in agriculture sector in a creative manner where lot of potential is untapped.
Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said that US remains the biggest trade partner of Pakistan and “it is our principal export destination”. However, he said there is a lot more to be done to increase trade and business between the two countries.
Referring to recent reports of upswing in the stock market, the minister said Pakistan has achieved a quantum jump in environment for doing business and it is going in right direction. “Pakistan is emerging out of dark environment of extremism and energy crises and has achieved substantial improvements suitable for trade,” the minister added.
He said that Pakistan has also made significant achievements in dealing with insurgency, political and economic stability and has reconnected to the world with commitment afresh.
